What is open grade base, and what are the benefits?

There are so many benefits to using an open grade base system versus dense grade. Phil talks about the many benefits and how the QUICK-E-Hybrid Edging with the QUICK-E-Hybrid Stake comes into play.

[@rolling_hills_landscapes]

If you have negative slope on your sub grade, that needs addressed before you install clean stone. Otherwise any water that makes it below the pavers is headed right to the house. It scares me because I don't think a lot of guys using clean stone realize that or even care.

[@youngprince716]

Hell no they’re using crusher run

[@ryanhollamby8528]

Do the depths change using stone? 6"-8" clear 3/4" (crushed granite), then a 1" layer of say a 1/2" or 3/8" for the top (clear crushed granite)?

[@Stoneridgeoutdoorexperiences]

You'll want to evaluate each install based on soil type, but in the typical application you are correct here (3/8 bedding layer). Dont forget the drive grid or geotextile fabric.

[@persistentone3448]

Can the Open Graded Base idea be applied to grade the area under concrete footings, foundations, and also stone walls? Particularly with stone walls, you are not spreading the load over a wide area. How do you keep the bedding layer of 3/8" clear stone on top of the 3/4" clear stone from shifting laterally from under the stone or concrete?

[@PaverToolInnovators]

Per PICPI 3/8 over top of 3/4" is the approved method of installation.

[@persistentone3448]

@@PaverToolInnovators That is for pavers. My question was whether the same base layer methods of clear rock can be used under concrete footings, building foundations, and stone walls. I guess the answer is yes, but it would require some adaptation.

[@youngprince716]

@@persistentone3448pavers require more prep than anything else in masonry. It’s just the final layer. Everything else under it would be the same

[@danielhudson5719]

That makes a lot of sense to me. Are you still running an inch of sand over three-quarter crushed rock, under pavers?

[@Stoneridgeoutdoorexperiences]

You wouldn't use sand, it would leach into the 3/4 and settle unevenly. You'll use a 1/4 or 3/8 chip stone. We've done some work with this method that over 17 years old, and it still looks flawless.

[@michaelperry4398]

@@Stoneridgeoutdoorexperiences stone dust?

[@Stoneridgeoutdoorexperiences]

@@michaelperry4398 Although stone dust is what we all used for many years, it's not acceptable any longer. Stone dust has too many fine particles which means it doesn't drain fast enough. This causes the bedding layer to hold excess moisture which causes efflorescence in the paver, and causes the polymeric sand to fail. Its important to note the polymeric sand brands will not warranty their product if the pavers are set on stone dust.